Who wouldn’t enjoy a cruise on a small luxury ship where every stateroom is a suite, onboard gratuities are included, most drinks—from sodas and coffees to cocktails and Champagne—are covered by the fare, and dining is a true culinary pleasure? Imagine shore excursions that run seamlessly and a personal butler who is always on call.
Despite the impeccable, white-glove service from dining room to stateroom, Silversea Cruises offers a relaxed, modern take on luxury rather than a stiff, formal atmosphere. We experienced this on a Mediterranean voyage from Athens to Rome aboard the sleek, contemporary 540-passenger Silver Spirit.
When we entered our spacious suite, our assigned butler promptly introduced the many services available—choice of pillows, premium bathroom amenities, dinner reservations, and in-suite dining options. He even offered to unpack our luggage; we politely declined, perhaps out of habit. He took that in stride and quickly made us comfortable with his role. Rather than feeling like a footman or valet, he acted as a personal concierge, making our journey noticeably smoother and more indulgent. Over the seven-day cruise, he restocked our bar to suit our preferences, served breakfast on the balcony with white linens, and one afternoon surprised us with a fragrant whirlpool bath. These butlers, whether men or women, typically care for about a dozen suites each day and are highly attentive throughout the voyage.
Silversea Cruises’ butler © Silversea Cruises
The butler service complements the strengths of one of the world’s most elegant cruise lines: refined, unobtrusive European-style hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and thoughtfully planned shore excursions. We enjoyed some of the most memorable guided outings—tasting tours at Marsala’s renowned winery, wandering the winding streets of Malta, hiking the slopes of Mount Etna, exploring the evocative ruins of Pompeii, and jogging on the track of the original Olympic Stadium. Back on board, specialty dining options include La Champagne, featuring a Relais & Châteaux menu and other excellent restaurants that elevate the onboard culinary experience.
Each of Silversea’s small ships—ranging from 296 to 540 passengers—offers amenities such as a swimming pool, full-service spa, show lounge, beauty salon, Internet café, and boutiques. These features provide many of the entertainment and wellness options found on larger ships but within a more intimate, less crowded setting. Silversea’s newest vessel, the 596-passenger Silver Muse, expands that offering with eight dining venues and was scheduled to begin service from Monte Carlo in April 2017. The line also operates three smaller expedition ships, carrying 100 to 132 passengers, focused on wildlife and adventure itineraries across seven continents—delivering adventurous, up-close experiences, though without the constant presence of a personal butler.